Peru had been on our family’s bucket list for years, and after spending two unforgettable weeks exploring the country, we came home with incredible memories and a list of things we wish we’d known before we went.
If you’re planning your first trip to Peru, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes, plan with confidence, and make the most of your adventure.
Before we dive in, you’ll notice the first three tips are all about Machu Picchu. That’s because it’s by far the most complicated part of planning a trip to Peru. Between choosing the right circuits, booking tickets months in advance, deciding whether to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, and figuring out if you need a guide, there’s a lot to sort through before you even arrive.
To make things easier, I put together a complete Machu Picchu Planning Guide that walks you through the entire process, step by step. If Machu Picchu is on your itinerary, it’s the best place to start.
1. Book Machu Picchu Before Anything Else
2. Spend Two Days at Machu Picchu
If your schedule allows, I highly recommend dedicating two days to Machu Picchu instead of trying to squeeze everything into one.
We spent the night in Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), and it made the experience so much more enjoyable. After arriving by train, we had time to wander the charming little town, enjoy dinner, and relax between our visits to the ruins. It turned what could have been a long, exhausting day into a much more memorable experience.
We also found that buying our Machu Picchu shuttle bus tickets was incredibly easy. Even though many websites recommend purchasing them well in advance, we bought ours in Aguas Calientes the day before our visit without any issues. Of course, if you’re traveling during peak times or simply want the peace of mind, purchasing ahead is never a bad idea.
We visited Machu Picchu on two consecutive days, doing Circuit 1 in the afternoon on our first day for the breathtaking panoramic views, followed by Circuit 2 the next day to explore the heart of the citadel. Seeing Machu Picchu from two completely different perspectives was absolutely worth it.
3. Hire a Guide at Machu Picchu
If you’re visiting Machu Picchu, I highly recommend hiring a guide, especially for Circuit 2.
We explored Circuit 1 on our own, taking our time to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views and capture the iconic photos. Then, on our second day, we hired a guide for Circuit 2, where we walked through the heart of the ancient citadel.
One thing that surprised us was how easy it was to find a guide. There were plenty of licensed guides waiting just outside the entrance to Machu Picchu, and we had no trouble hiring one on the spot. We paid about $70 USD for our family of four, which we felt was well worth it for the experience. If you prefer to have everything planned ahead, you can certainly book in advance, but it’s reassuring to know you can easily hire a licensed guide when you arrive.
Having a guide brought the ruins to life. We learned about the history, architecture, engineering, and purpose of many of the structures, and we left with a much deeper appreciation for Machu Picchu than we would have on our own.
For us, it was the perfect balance. We experienced the iconic viewpoints at our own pace on the first day, then gained a much richer understanding of the citadel with a guide on the second.
4. Acclimate in the Sacred Valley (preferably Ollantaytambo)
One of the smartest decisions we made during our trip was spending three nights in Ollantaytambo before continuing on to Machu Picchu and eventually Cusco.
At an elevation of about 9,160 feet (2,792 meters), Ollantaytambo sits lower than Cusco, making it an ideal place to begin acclimating while still exploring one of the most beautiful towns in the Sacred Valley.
Instead of spending our first few days worrying about the altitude, we wandered the charming cobblestone streets, explored the impressive Inca ruins, and took a day trip to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines. It gave our bodies time to adjust while allowing us to experience some of Peru’s most fascinating sights.
By the time we reached Cusco later in our itinerary, we were much better acclimated and able to fully enjoy the city.
If I were planning this trip again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Spending a few days in Ollantaytambo before heading to Machu Picchu and Cusco was one of the best decisions we made.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Altitude
Even if you’re in great shape, the altitude in the Sacred Valley and Cusco can affect anyone.
We talked with our doctor before the trip and decided to take prescription altitude sickness medication, which worked well for our family. We also took full advantage of the complimentary coca tea offered at many hotels, a traditional remedy that’s widely enjoyed throughout the Andes.
Just as importantly, we gave ourselves permission to slow down. We intentionally spent several days in Ollantaytambo before continuing to Machu Picchu and Cusco, stayed well hydrated, and avoided packing every minute with activities. Giving our bodies time to adjust made a huge difference in how we felt throughout the trip.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude, but respecting it instead of trying to push through it can make all the difference. A slower pace during your first few days will help you feel better and enjoy Peru so much more.
6. Always Carry Peruvian Soles
7. Drink Bottled or Filtered Water
One of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick in Peru is to stick with bottled or filtered water. While many hotels and restaurants offer filtered water, we chose to be extra cautious throughout our trip.
We drank bottled or filtered water exclusively, even using it to brush our teeth. It quickly became part of our daily routine, and it was surprisingly easy to do no matter where we traveled, from Lima and the Sacred Valley to Cusco and the Amazon.
Were we being overly cautious? Maybe. But after two weeks of traveling across Peru, our entire family stayed healthy, and for us, that extra peace of mind was well worth it.
When it comes to international travel, I’d rather be a little too careful than spend part of an incredible vacation recovering in a hotel room.
8. Pack Layers
One thing that surprised us most about Peru was just how many different climates we experienced in a single trip. We went from the cool mornings and evenings of the Sacred Valley and Cusco to the warm, humid Amazon Rainforest, often within just a few days.
Packing lightweight layers made it easy to adapt without overpacking. A light jacket or fleece was perfect for chilly mornings in the Andes, while breathable clothing kept us comfortable in the Amazon’s tropical heat.
No matter what time of year you visit, plan for a variety of temperatures. Dressing in layers is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable throughout your trip.
9. Get an eSIM Before You Leave
One of the best travel decisions we made was setting up an eSIM before we left for Peru. Having reliable data service from the moment we landed made everything easier, from calling Ubers in Lima and navigating with Google Maps to checking train schedules, translating menus, and staying in touch with family back home.
We had excellent connectivity throughout our entire trip, including Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), Cusco, and even parts of the Amazon journey. It was simple to install before we left, activated as soon as we arrived, and saved us from paying expensive international roaming fees.
If your phone supports eSIMs, I highly recommend getting one before your trip. We used Airalo and had great service the entire time.
10. Don’t Skip the Amazon
Machu Picchu may be Peru’s most famous destination, but the Amazon Rainforest ended up being one of our family’s favorite parts of the entire trip.
Spending a few days at Posada Amazonas gave us a completely different perspective on Peru. We woke up to the sounds of the rainforest, searched for giant river otters, climbed above the jungle canopy, spotted monkeys and caimans, explored the rainforest after dark, and even had the opportunity to work alongside a biologist collecting insects for a citizen science project.
It was the perfect balance to the busier pace of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, giving us a chance to slow down while experiencing one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, I highly recommend adding a few days in the Amazon to your itinerary. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences our family will never forget.
I also wrote a post about our stay at Posada Amazonas, where I share everything from what it’s really like sleeping in an open-air room to the wildlife we encountered, our favorite excursions, and why we think it’s one of the best eco-lodges for families visiting the Peruvian Amazon. I have a 20% off discount code for my readers. Use STAYINGBLONDE20 for 20% off a stay through December 2027.
11. Build Downtime Into Your Itinerary
Peru was one of the most incredible trips we’ve ever taken, but it was also one of our most active. Between hiking, early mornings, train rides, long sightseeing days, and the higher elevations, we quickly realized how important it was to slow down every now and then.
We actually spent an entire week exploring the Sacred Valley, and that extra time made all the difference. Instead of rushing from one destination to the next, we were able to enjoy each stop without feeling exhausted.
We even added two extra nights at Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness just to unwind and recharge before heading to Cusco. Having a full day to relax by the pool, sleep in, and let our bodies continue acclimating was exactly what we needed.
If your schedule allows, resist the urge to pack every day with activities. A little downtime will leave you feeling refreshed and help you enjoy everything Peru has to offer that much more.
13. June Is a Fantastic Time to Visit
We visited Peru in June, and if I were planning this trip again, I’d choose the same month in a heartbeat.
June marks the beginning of the dry season, so we enjoyed beautiful weather for exploring Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Amazon. The days were comfortable for sightseeing, while the evenings in the Andes were definitely cool enough for a light jacket or fleece.
One thing we especially appreciated was that June felt busy, but not overwhelmingly crowded. Since it’s just before the peak international travel season in July and August, we were able to enjoy Peru without feeling like we were constantly fighting large crowds.
As an added bonus, we happened to be in Cusco during Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. The city was full of celebrations, traditional music, colorful clothing, and cultural events, making our visit even more memorable.
If your schedule is flexible, I think June offers a wonderful balance of great weather, manageable crowds, and unforgettable experiences.
13. Don’t skip Lima
It’s tempting to fly into Lima and immediately head for Cusco or the Sacred Valley, but if you can, spend at least a day exploring Peru’s capital.
We stayed in Miraflores, and it was the perfect introduction to the country. We walked along the dramatic oceanfront cliffs, explored the neighborhood’s parks and shops, and even visited Parque Kennedy, the famous park that’s home to dozens of friendly resident cats. It was such a fun and unexpected stop!
Miraflores is also a fantastic place to experience Peru’s world-famous food scene before heading into the mountains.
Even though we only had one full day to explore, we’re so glad we didn’t skip it. Lima offered a completely different side of Peru and was the perfect way to ease into our adventure.
14. Those Baby Llamas Aren’t Free 😂
Final Thoughts
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
